Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy; Middle grade
Rating: 8.5/10
Disclaimer: I am aware of the situation with J.K. Rowling, but I believe in separating the art from the artist. Please respect that this is a review solely on the book.
Do I even need to include a brief description of the book? Harry is miserable, orphaned and forced to live with his awful relatives. Things change when he receives a letter revealing him to be a wizard, a very famous one at that. Henceforth, Harry is thrust into the world he had been hidden from and we follow him as he navigates his first year at Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Let me start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt very nostalgic, although of a different kind as compared to those who grew up with the series. Instead, this book really made me reminisce about reading as a child.
The book follows a very clear story structure, with its rising action, climax and resolution. It also contains many elements of what makes up the middle grade genre: the typical school bully, the oblivious adults, the happy ending etc.
The writing is simplistic and humorous. The characters are distinct and likeable. The lessons it imparted were explicit and understandable.
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
However, I believe what elevates this series is the concept it has introduced and the numerous details it seeks to include; a school for extraordinary people and a hidden world full of fantastical elements. I can clearly see how this book has paved the way for many others and earned a well-deserved spot as a classic.
The world itself is original, unique and intricate, allowing readers to feel immersed, wanting to be a part of this well-built universe. I really am looking forward to the longer books in the later part of the series, because my main complaint was that the scenes were too short and results too predictable (but I believe this is due to the target readership being middle grade).
I know I am one of the few who are very late to the game, but if you were on the same boat I was, wondering whether you should just watch the movies, I would recommend that you give the books a try. Either for that nostalgic feeling of reading a book as a child, or just to view the origin materials.
I went into these books with basic knowledge on Harry Potter (spoilers are inevitable at this point), so I am slightly disappointed that I would never be able to experience the book with a blank slate and unbiased opinions. Nevertheless, I am definitely enjoying myself and look forward to continuing the series.
Reviewed by: N.G.Rainwater (1st Reading)
I have not liked Harry Potter because it takes very long for the actual adventure to start. The comic versions are good if you liked this book. The movie isn’t as good as the books in my opinion.